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Open Range
Boss Spearman knew the end was near for open range men like him, cattlemen who drove their herds through the country to graze and then moved on. Local stockmen were staking claims to grazing areas throughout the West. Spearman had no quarrel with that, but he wasn’t about to let anyone intimidate him or attack his men without putting up a fight. So when Denton Baxter’s threats turned to murder, Spearman knew he had to get justice—any way he could.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1990
206 people are currently reading
424 people want to read
About the author
Lauran Paine
312 books25 followersaka John Armour, Reg Batchelor, Kenneth Bedford, Frank Bosworth, Mark Carrel, Claude Cassady, Richard Clarke, Richard Dana, J F Drexler, Troy Howard, Jared Ingersol, John Kilgore, Hunter Liggett, J K Lucas, John Morgan (many more).
Lauran Bosworth Paine (born February 25, 1916 in Duluth, Minnesota – 2003 in California) was an American writer of Western fiction. Paine wrote over 900 books, including hundreds of Westerns as well as romance, science fiction, and mystery novels. He also wrote a number of non-fiction books on the Old West, military history, witchcraft, and other subjects.
His apprenticeship as a Western writer came about through the years he spent in the livestock trade, rodeos, and even motion pictures where he served as an extra because of his expert horsemanship.
Lauran Bosworth Paine (born February 25, 1916 in Duluth, Minnesota – 2003 in California) was an American writer of Western fiction. Paine wrote over 900 books, including hundreds of Westerns as well as romance, science fiction, and mystery novels. He also wrote a number of non-fiction books on the Old West, military history, witchcraft, and other subjects.
His apprenticeship as a Western writer came about through the years he spent in the livestock trade, rodeos, and even motion pictures where he served as an extra because of his expert horsemanship.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
May 10, 2021
Originally published as Open Range Men. Rereleased after the Kevin Costner/Robert Duvall movie, Open Range. The movie follows the book pretty closely until about half way through then the plot takes a different direction. The book is good but I like the changes made by the movie. In my opinion, the movie is better than the book.
June 15, 2015
If you've seen the movie, don't read this book with the expectations that it's a rehash. The book came first, and there are many differences, some small, and some very large. I really enjoyed the book for what it is, but I do prefer the movie.
December 18, 2018
You know the old cliché, the book is better than the movie. Not in this case. Kevin Costner's film "Open Range" is better than the book it is adapted from. All the characters are in Paine's novel, including a few more, but Charley and Boss come across as passive and tragic in the novel compared to their portrayal in the movie. I'll concede the movie relies on some Hollywood Western tropes, but the story told on film is tighter, quicker paced, and is more interesting that the one told on the page.
July 5, 2021
I loved the movie so much I just had to read the book. I have to say this is not as good as the movie was. The story was well written and if I had never seen the movie I would have liked it better. There's not nearly as much violence as the movie had and the characters all seem a little muted. The whole story is subdued.
February 23, 2018
An excellent western novel of westerners who owned cattle and moved them from place to place. The novel was made into the movie with the same name starring Robert Ducal and. Kevin Costner.
July 27, 2023
I liked this quite a bit. It might edge a little closer to 3.5 stars just because the writing style and the dialogue is low-key sometimes to the point of being almost flat; but for the immersive descriptions of the land, weather, and the nitty-gritty of a cowboy's work and the beats of honest emotion it hits at key points in the story, it rates closer to 4.
To many readers the plot may feel cliche just because the same ground has been trodden less effectively and less authentically so many times—the small band of loners running afoul of a powerful cattleman with a crooked lawman in his pay, etc.—but there are a few things that elevate Open Range above others of its kind. One, the conflict doesn't exist in a vacuum: it's not just a couple of central characters battling it out in a "lawless" limbo with everyone and everything else merely a backdrop to their fight; the presence and awareness of other people in the town, the legal system, the weather, and so forth have a measurable bearing on the story. Which brings me to the second thing I liked (I always consider this a positive in a Western), that the forces of nature play a realistically important role—in fact, the weather has almost as big an impact on the plot as any human action.
And finally, I loved, loved that instead of this being one of those stories where one or two almost-superhuman heroes are forced to handle the villains all by themselves while all the "ordinary people" cower indoors, a number of those ordinary people step up and quietly work together to see that justice is done, at a point where the book's protagonists have actually been rendered powerless to help themselves. This aspect, and the courtroom scene, reminded me slightly of similar scenes in Eugene Manlove Rhodes' The Trusty Knaves and Stepsons of Light (a very high compliment from me), and made me feel that Open Range would probably pass muster with those who actually lived in the West better than many other attempts at telling this kind of story.
(Content for those who like to know: scattered swearing and a couple of mildly crude phrases.)
To many readers the plot may feel cliche just because the same ground has been trodden less effectively and less authentically so many times—the small band of loners running afoul of a powerful cattleman with a crooked lawman in his pay, etc.—but there are a few things that elevate Open Range above others of its kind. One, the conflict doesn't exist in a vacuum: it's not just a couple of central characters battling it out in a "lawless" limbo with everyone and everything else merely a backdrop to their fight; the presence and awareness of other people in the town, the legal system, the weather, and so forth have a measurable bearing on the story. Which brings me to the second thing I liked (I always consider this a positive in a Western), that the forces of nature play a realistically important role—in fact, the weather has almost as big an impact on the plot as any human action.
And finally, I loved, loved that instead of this being one of those stories where one or two almost-superhuman heroes are forced to handle the villains all by themselves while all the "ordinary people" cower indoors, a number of those ordinary people step up and quietly work together to see that justice is done, at a point where the book's protagonists have actually been rendered powerless to help themselves. This aspect, and the courtroom scene, reminded me slightly of similar scenes in Eugene Manlove Rhodes' The Trusty Knaves and Stepsons of Light (a very high compliment from me), and made me feel that Open Range would probably pass muster with those who actually lived in the West better than many other attempts at telling this kind of story.
(Content for those who like to know: scattered swearing and a couple of mildly crude phrases.)
July 20, 2022
I enjoy reading the book before seeing the movie, but in this case I saw Kevin Costner's "Open Range" without realizing the story is based on this book, "The Open Range Men" by Lauran Paine. I probably should have let this lie, but I love Western literature and I imagined a richly written story in the dialects of the West that Costner and his screenwriter somehow enhanced (I do love the movie). Costner's script closely follows the first half of the book, but then I think he and his writers may have recognized the same issues I did as I continued reading the second half. It's different, which I don't mind, but this is different in a negative sense. Without ruining anything, I will say it gets quite complicated with the number of characters introduced in such a short novel. It felt compressed, hurried, as Paine had a number of pages in mind and kept to the mark. I'll also say his editor could have done a better job because there were several passages where I became lost and had to re-read, and even then ....
March 26, 2017
Popsugar 2017 Reading Challenge: A bestseller from a genre you don't normally read.
A patron recommended this book to me, and since he'd accepted many recommendations from me in the past, it was time I reciprocated. I don't normally read Westerns. In fact, probably the only one I've read -- and loved, by the way -- was Lonesome Dove. However, I remember seeing the movie based off this book, which I didn't know it was, but it makes sense, and thought I'd try it.
It was good, was rather short, too. Perhaps what I'm about to say is preconceived and not really connected to this particular book, or maybe not even to the genre as a whole, but rather influenced by the men at my library who regularly check out such books. It was simple, and clean, despite the gunslinger action and mud. The story was straightforward, the characters were clearly defined as villains or heroes, and the good guys won in the end.
A patron recommended this book to me, and since he'd accepted many recommendations from me in the past, it was time I reciprocated. I don't normally read Westerns. In fact, probably the only one I've read -- and loved, by the way -- was Lonesome Dove. However, I remember seeing the movie based off this book, which I didn't know it was, but it makes sense, and thought I'd try it.
It was good, was rather short, too. Perhaps what I'm about to say is preconceived and not really connected to this particular book, or maybe not even to the genre as a whole, but rather influenced by the men at my library who regularly check out such books. It was simple, and clean, despite the gunslinger action and mud. The story was straightforward, the characters were clearly defined as villains or heroes, and the good guys won in the end.
February 10, 2022
Started out as a good old fashioned western—full of grit and guns, dust and mud, cigars and whiskey—and I was thoroughly enjoying getting lost on the open range, until the story took an abrupt new direction, which seemed forced and unneeded. Let’s just say, if you’re going to bring romance into a classic western (which is fine to do), just make sure it develops naturally and slowly, rather than quickly and out of nowhere, like a prairie rain storm. Certainly would have given it five stars had it continued developing the new relationships for several more chapters. I’ve heard the movie changes the latter part of the story a bit, so I suppose I’ll go check that out soon to see if I like the way they end it better. Regardless of my complaints, this was a solid novel, overall—I’m a sucker for the old west.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2020
A fantastic, deep western
Like the movie based on it, Paine's novel is a moving experience of transition in the Old West. Freegrazing gives way to settling down, as Charley's days of roaming the range give way to marrying Sue. Enough is different from the movie to enlighten your reading of the novel, though much is shared with Costner's vision, making you feel like you're sliding your feet into a pair of comfortable, lived in boots. Paine's prose is simple but lyrical, and you can see why Costner fell in love with the story. Highly recommended, both for fans of westerns and casual readers who love good stories with strong characters.
Like the movie based on it, Paine's novel is a moving experience of transition in the Old West. Freegrazing gives way to settling down, as Charley's days of roaming the range give way to marrying Sue. Enough is different from the movie to enlighten your reading of the novel, though much is shared with Costner's vision, making you feel like you're sliding your feet into a pair of comfortable, lived in boots. Paine's prose is simple but lyrical, and you can see why Costner fell in love with the story. Highly recommended, both for fans of westerns and casual readers who love good stories with strong characters.
November 4, 2023
Having seen & enjoyed the movie (more than once!) I wanted to see how the book & movie compared. The first half of the movie and book was a near-perfect match. The second half of the book and movie could not have been more different. That's not a complaint, just an observation. Without revealing any spoilers, the book's second half was an interesting departure from that of the movie in a number of ways. But it in no way spoiled the story. I think most folks who have seen the movie will still enjoy the book. I certainly did. I highly recommend the book, whether you've seen the movie or not.
August 29, 2025
Very, very good. Originally published as The Open Range Men until it was filmed with Kevin Costner and Robert Duvall. Since then it has been published as Open Range (which is the name of the film).
There are some differences between this and the film adaptation, as there often is with this kind of thing. The novel seems to be a bit underrated. It has some additional characters (in particular, a Federal Marshal who features quite prominently in the latter stages of the novel), and a different ending.
Quite easy to like both the original novel and the film adaptation. They're both good.
There are some differences between this and the film adaptation, as there often is with this kind of thing. The novel seems to be a bit underrated. It has some additional characters (in particular, a Federal Marshal who features quite prominently in the latter stages of the novel), and a different ending.
Quite easy to like both the original novel and the film adaptation. They're both good.
August 17, 2018
Better then the movie
Well written and entertaining. I caught the end of a movie my husband was watching and thought this is pretty good I bet it was based on a book. I was right. I like western and can't believe I've overlooked Lauren Paine. Supposedly he's written a thousand books so my cup runneth over.
It starts out with two old men having a pissing contest over cattle grazing range. The ending is different then the movie and much more real. Enjoyed them both actually but the book was better.
Well written and entertaining. I caught the end of a movie my husband was watching and thought this is pretty good I bet it was based on a book. I was right. I like western and can't believe I've overlooked Lauren Paine. Supposedly he's written a thousand books so my cup runneth over.
It starts out with two old men having a pissing contest over cattle grazing range. The ending is different then the movie and much more real. Enjoyed them both actually but the book was better.
January 9, 2020
Having seen the movie adaptation of this several times over the years, I thought, I ought to read the book. I am impressed by both the movie and the book!
I enjoyed the descriptive way Lauran Paige gives to the characters so you feel for them, even though you don't really get to know too much about them, there is a sense of underlying loyalty and love.
I had expected it to be much longer a book. I read it on Kindle so wasn't really aware of the size of it. However, the ending was perfect to me and I am aiming to read more of Lauran's books.
I enjoyed the descriptive way Lauran Paige gives to the characters so you feel for them, even though you don't really get to know too much about them, there is a sense of underlying loyalty and love.
I had expected it to be much longer a book. I read it on Kindle so wasn't really aware of the size of it. However, the ending was perfect to me and I am aiming to read more of Lauran's books.
February 5, 2022
Open Range possesses all the qualities of an excellent western! There was a movie back in 2003 with Robert Duvall, Kevin Costner, and Annette Bening. A very good movie as well. I liked this story very much. It foretells the era of the open range going by the wayside. The characters are sturdy and strong-willed as they should be for the time and focus on loyalty as one of the cowboy’s best virtues. I can’t help but picture the movie as I listen to the story and think of Duvall and Costner as the characters perform. The movie has always been one of my favorites, and so shall the book.
May 17, 2021
Great story, not quite like the movie
I did see the movie first, a couple of times. A few chapters in and all seemed the same, similar characters and actions, even mostly the same names. Then slowly I lost my way in the story, It was not following the path I thought it would. The story allowed more characters to stand out. A alternate last half of the same basic story. Well done either way.
I did see the movie first, a couple of times. A few chapters in and all seemed the same, similar characters and actions, even mostly the same names. Then slowly I lost my way in the story, It was not following the path I thought it would. The story allowed more characters to stand out. A alternate last half of the same basic story. Well done either way.
January 23, 2020
I saw the Duvall/Costner movie before I read Paine's novel. As usual, the film made changes, and I think they should have stuck to the story the novel tells. I loved it. If Westerns are your thing, you will like it. If they aren't, read it anyway, because it is a fine novel with excellent characterizations, scene descriptions, and a well developed plot. The casting in the film was spot on.
March 16, 2021
Not the movie but just as good.
Lauren Paine's writing evokes an ambience of what the old west may have been like and what the people might have been like. Whether or not it was really like that doesn't matter because this story is delightful to read and captures the spirit of what people are at their best and worst as they will always be.
Lauren Paine's writing evokes an ambience of what the old west may have been like and what the people might have been like. Whether or not it was really like that doesn't matter because this story is delightful to read and captures the spirit of what people are at their best and worst as they will always be.
August 20, 2021
I got this audiobook for my husband, and finally listened to it myself. I enjoyed it, though a lot of the post-climax stuff I could smell coming like Charlie can smell dust, and the wrap up seemed to take forever, especially by today's standards. But worth the listen, and makes me want to watch the movie, now.
September 2, 2025
Good prose, good characterization, good world building, good story, and a theme. 5-stars.
Westerns are all about justice - even the part where the hero gets the pretty girl.
Made into a movie (I liked it), but movies are the equivalent of a short story. So there's more in the book, but the book doesn't over stay its welcome either at 248 pages.
Westerns are all about justice - even the part where the hero gets the pretty girl.
Made into a movie (I liked it), but movies are the equivalent of a short story. So there's more in the book, but the book doesn't over stay its welcome either at 248 pages.
March 27, 2018
A Rip Snortin Good Read
I saw the movie a long time ago and I loved it. Now I've read the book. It's hard to say which is better, but I can say with certainty this this novel was OUTSTANDING. I had a real hog killing time reading this book.
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I saw the movie a long time ago and I loved it. Now I've read the book. It's hard to say which is better, but I can say with certainty this this novel was OUTSTANDING. I had a real hog killing time reading this book.
.
July 22, 2018
Good Story
Somewhat different story than the movie and nearly as good. Would have wanted more development of the Waite (Cosner) and Spearman (Duval) characters; but, additional characters added much to the story.
Somewhat different story than the movie and nearly as good. Would have wanted more development of the Waite (Cosner) and Spearman (Duval) characters; but, additional characters added much to the story.
January 15, 2019
Great!
The movie based on this book is a favorite of mine, but after reading this book I found myself liking the book even better than the movie. This is a well-written and well-told story. Definitely worth reading.
The movie based on this book is a favorite of mine, but after reading this book I found myself liking the book even better than the movie. This is a well-written and well-told story. Definitely worth reading.
October 17, 2020
Excellent read
What a good book! Without being an outright page turner I found this book really entertaining and had to force myself to break away from reading it to draw out the enjoyment!
What a good book! Without being an outright page turner I found this book really entertaining and had to force myself to break away from reading it to draw out the enjoyment!
March 9, 2021
Like a lot of readers, I came to this book after seeing the movie. They start out pretty much the same, but about halfway through they go very different ways. The movie is more exciting, while the novel is more realistic. I really enjoyed the book and will be reading more of Mr. Paine's novels.
June 4, 2021
It’s not very often that the movie is better than the book, but in this case it’s much better.
Kinda boring.
Death of the bad guy was very anticlimactic.
Book went on far too long after bad guy dead…
Really boring.
Not a bad story, just not as fun as the movie
Kinda boring.
Death of the bad guy was very anticlimactic.
Book went on far too long after bad guy dead…
Really boring.
Not a bad story, just not as fun as the movie
October 10, 2021
Boss leads crew Charley 35, Mose, Button 18, free-graze cows dropping calves to Harmonville, stopped by storm, crooked sherrif in cahoots with rancher Baxter who hires killers. Like series with expanded minor roles: freighter brothers, puppy rescue, marshal, judge, doctor, sister Sue 25, more.
January 2, 2023
A great read
Good character development. Lots of action. I liked the language, and the telling of a good story without foul words or expressions. Yes, I liked it better than movie, and the movie was outstanding.
Good character development. Lots of action. I liked the language, and the telling of a good story without foul words or expressions. Yes, I liked it better than movie, and the movie was outstanding.
June 24, 2023
Better Than the Movie
The movie was long and boring, highlighted by an awesome gunfight. This book was fast-paced and full of action. Way better. It did make me want to watch the movie again.
The movie was long and boring, highlighted by an awesome gunfight. This book was fast-paced and full of action. Way better. It did make me want to watch the movie again.
June 29, 2023
Not like the movie
If you start reading this book thinking you'll get what you got from the movie you will be surprised as there were plenty of differences compared to the movie. This is a well written book that western fans will enjoy.
If you start reading this book thinking you'll get what you got from the movie you will be surprised as there were plenty of differences compared to the movie. This is a well written book that western fans will enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews